GENERAL UPDATE

We wanted to share some HOA updates with you as the holiday weekend gets rolling.  We have been getting a fair amount of inquiries about a few topics, so we thought  it might be easiest to address with one email.

UPDATE ON THE REGISTERED OFFENDER ISSUE
As I think most are aware, Orlando Police Department is taking action regarding two registered offenders who recently moved into Laureate Park.  We take this matter seriously, and continue to be in contact with law enforcement as they work towards a remedy.  

Here is the news that Officer Malave (our District 1 Liason Officer) shared with us today.

I just spoke to our OPD Detective assigned to the case, Det. Mastrangelo.  He advised that Brian Zuvich has contacted his probation officer to inform him that he will be moving out today and will be moving into the jurisdiction of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.  He will be registering his new address on Monday morning.  Please be patient as the City of Orlando attorneys continue working diligently on the David Levitas case.  Once I confirm Mr. Zuvich's move, I will update everyone with it.  As new information is confirmed, I will make efforts to share it with everyone immediately.  Thank you for your patience.

If you have questions regarding this matter, please contact Officer Malave.  Officer Malave and Detective Mastrangelo have been true community advocates and are working hard on your behalf to ensure that applicable laws are abided.  We sincerely thank them for their efforts.

HOME RENTALS AT LAUREATE PARK
We have received a number of inquiries about the perceived number of homes available for rent at Laureate Park.  The HOA tracks homes that are being rented through the required registration process (owners must submit leases to the association management within 14 days after signing).  We do monitor this closely to ensure compliance.  

However, there are residents that shun the rules, and it is difficult for HOA management to ascertain compliance in all cases.  We do monitor streets and have found owners that have not registered their renters.  We have (and continue) to notify the owners and will issue fines (that can potentially turn into property liens).  But if you think there is a home that is being rented in violation to the HOA rules, please contact management so we can investigate.  We can only enforce as we become aware, either through our own investigation or through homeowners making us aware.

We are also in the process of adding additional requirements to the rental process at the community.  These requirements are being drafted by HOA counsel and we believe will be ready for board approval at either the October general meeting, or the November/December budget approval meeting.

OPEN HOUSE SIGNS
Open house directional signs are not allowed at Laureate Park.  Last weekend, we had violations up and down Tavistock Lakes Blvd.  Moving forward, Open House signs placed away from the home for sale will be pulled, and the owner of the home to which the open house sign points will be subject to a $20-per-sign fine.  Please feel free to make the HOA aware of infractions, so that we can maintain compliance with this rule.  

The only exception to this rule is for our active homebuilders in the community (Ashton Woods, David Weekley, Minto, Taylor Morrison, etc.), and those signs are pre-approved by the developer.

STREET PARKING
Our current HOA rules allow for street parking and adhere the the City of Orlando codes (Laureate Park streets are City of Orlando owned streets).  This means that parallel parking is allowed on almost all streets (unless marked as no parking).  Parallel parking is not allowed in alleys (this is a City of Orlando requirement).  The City code prohibits vehicles from street parking (without the vehicle moving) for more than three consecutive days.  

We have received multiple complaints from residents about certain homes parking upwards of five cars on the street, and no cars parked in the garage.  The HOA is looking for remedies to this situation as it often leads to inconveniences for neighbors as well as being an aesthetic eyesore.

The Association Bylaws do limit the number of vehicles that a home can permanently have.  The current parking restrictions (found on Page 5 of the Use Restrictions in the Association Documents - page 134 on the PDF on the website) limit the number of cars per household to the number of cars that could fit in the homeowner’s garage and driveway.  There is some gray area in determining whether the total number of cars allowed would apply to street parking as well.  We are working with HOA counsel to clarify the rules and add limits to the total cars per household allowed.  This may lead to a Laureate Park car registration process, as it will be the only way to determine ownership.  We should have a new rule ready for board approval by the October membership meeting, or the November/December budget meeting.

UPDATES TO THE DRB APPROVED AND RECOMMENDED PLANTINGS AND LANDSCAPE
With August’s twice normal amount of rainfall, we have received a number of inquires regarding updating the approved landscape for the community.  Tavistock’s landscape architect has been working with HOA staff to modify our approved plantings and mulch (including stone).  After three-plus years experience in the community, we have developed a better understanding of site constraints and a history of seeing which plants thrive at Laureate Park.  We project that we will be in a position to share these recommendations by the end of the month.   We will also be involving Laureate Park residents in this process, both in the creation of the recommendations, and in their review. 


CONSTRUCTION DUMPSTERS
Please do not place any household waste into builders' construction dumpsters.  We continue to receive complaints from our builders and residents about mattresses, old furniture, and general household waste being placed into these dumpsters.  These dumpsters are meant for construction debris and waste only,.


NEW HOA WEBSITE
Please click to visit the new Laureate Park HOA website.  We have added quite a bit more content to the site, and plan to keep growing it as our community continues to grow.  Note that we will be introducing a password for access in the coming months, but for the time being, anyone can access.

We’d love to get your feedback for additional information that could be added, so please use the form on the ‘Key Contacts’ page to submit ideas.  

Wishing everyone a fun and safe Labor Day.  

Best,

Laureate Park Master Association